
21 Oct Signs a Career as a Manufacturing Engineer is for You
A Manufacturing Engineer is responsible for designing, monitoring and optimising the manufacturing process to be as efficient as possible. Here are the signs you’d make a good manufacturing engineer:
You have…
- knowledge of engineering functions and procedures
- a logical approach to problem-solving
- strong communication skills
- teamworking and management skills
- the ability to work well under pressure
- organisation and time management skills
- commercial awareness
- an awareness of health and safety issues.
You want to…
- design new systems and equipment for the introduction of new products or the improvement of existing ones
- work with other engineers, such as chemical, mechanical and electrical engineers, to ensure all product and system requirements are taken into account from the initial product conception to the finished result
- examine, tender for and install new equipment, making sure you get the highest quality at the best price
- liaise with suppliers and customers
- organise the maintenance of equipment
- investigate production problems and repair equipment quickly and efficiently
- supervise junior engineers and sub-contractors and ensure effective communication in order to avoid errors
- organise plant start-up and shut-down schedules to ensure minimum loss of production time and profits
- keep statistical and financial records and work with finance professionals to manage budgets
- keep up to date with current and developing trends in the manufacturing industry, at a national and international level.
You don’t mind…
- unsocial hours including evening and weekend work
- occasional extra hours
- having occasionally difficult conversations with staff
- a pressured environment with a need to meet targets on time
Getting started
A degree in engineering is typically required for a career in manufacturing engineering. The following subjects are particularly useful:
- chemical engineering
- electrical/electronic engineering
- manufacturing or production engineering
- mechanical engineering.
Although not required, a post-graduate degree in engineering may be an advantage.
Alternative paths into manufacturing engineering include entering at a trainee level with a Higher National Diploma or foundation degree in order to gain further experience and qualifications. It is also possible to complete an apprenticeship.
Work experience is a valuable way to gain relevant experience. Some degree courses offer a year in industry. Membership with a relevant professional body such as the Institue of Engineering and Technology or Institute of Mechanical Engineers will keep you abreast of developments in the industry, showing your interest in, and enthusiasm for, the manufacturing sector at interviews.
Search all manufacturing jobs on our vacancies page.
Article source: https://www.prospects.ac.uk/job-profiles/manufacturing-engineer